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Thursday March 26, 2026
AFIT Reception
Event Information
| Start | 03-26-2026 5:00 PM |
| End | 03-26-2026 7:00 PM |
| Room | Sierra Vista |
Choose Language
| Start | 03-26-2026 5:00 PM |
| End | 03-26-2026 7:00 PM |
| Room | Sierra Vista |
Currently Closed
The Student Papers Portal opens at 12:00AM (MST) on August 15, 2024.
Please come back after this time to submit your Student Paper for the 2025 WSSA Conference.
Urban Studies
Urban Studies is a broad and interdisciplinary field in social science, encompassing several disciplines around the study of cities and urban areas. Areas of focus include sociology, geography, economics, political science, anthropology, urban planning, architecture, and urban design.
It is concerned with understanding the development of cities and urban regions, the socio-economic dynamics within these areas, policies related to urban planning, and the impact of urbanization on human societies. This might also include studying conditions of urban deprivation and implementing policies to address those.
Different subfields within urban studies, like urban sociology or urban geography, look at the specific ways people in cities interact, arrange themselves, and influence their environment.
It is not only limited to social sciences but also includes aspects from the humanities, architecture, planning, engineering, environmental science, and legal studies.
The goal of urban studies is to combine theoretical and academic approaches with real-world experiences, aiming to find ways to improve urban life, manage urban growth, and ensure the sustainability of cities.
Section Coordinator
Thomas Sammons
Title: Professor, School of Architecture and Design
Email:
Affiliation: University of Louisiana at Lafayette, College of the Arts
Add me to the WSSA Conference Email list to receive up-to-date information on the upcoming conference.
Currently Closed
The Abstract Submission Portal opens at 12:00AM (MST) on August 15, 2024.
Please come back after this time to submit your Abstract for the 2025 WSSA Conference.
Currently Closed
Conference early registration opens at 12:00AM (MST) on August 15, 2024.
Please come back after this time to register for the 2025 WSSA Conference.
Now Closed
Registration for the 2025 WSSA Conference is now closed.
Now Closed
The Abstract Submission Portal for the 2025 WSSA Conference is now closed..
Now Closed
The Student Papers Portal for the 2025 WSSA Conference is now closed.
American Indian & Indigenous Studies
The American Indian & Indigenous Studies Section of WSSA is the home of the Indigenous Policy Journal. American Indian Studies (also known as Native American Studies, Indigenous American Studies, or First Nations Studies) is an interdisciplinary academic field that investigates the history, culture, politics, spirituality, sociology, and contemporary experiences of Native peoples in North America. The discipline spans a wide array of topics, including tribal sovereignty, self-determination, human rights, and Indigenous cultures and histories.
American Indian & Indigenous Studies incorporates insights from various fields, such as history, anthropology, education, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science. The study primarily focuses on engaging with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues while supporting the practices and movements in Native American/American Indian communities in pursuit of a just and equitable society.
Sources:
Slavic and Eurasian Studies (Affiliate)
Slavic and Eurasian Studies focuses on the study of histories, societies, cultures, languages, and politics of the region concerning Slavic and Eurasian countries. This interdisciplinary field draws largely upon areas such as history, political science, sociology, anthropology, and linguistics. It aids in a deeper understanding of a globally significant area, covering Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, and Eastern Europe.
In the context of academic associations, when a group or individual is referred to as an "Affiliate" in Slavic and Eurasian Studies, it usually signifies a link or a relationship with an overarching parent organization. For instance, the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) has multiple affiliate groups that operate within its framework. These affiliate groups are likely to be regional associations, special interest groups, or specific sub-disciplines concerning Slavic and Eurasian Studies.
Such affiliations facilitate collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange within the wider scholarly community. They contribute toward nurturing a richer and more integrated understanding of Slavic and Eurasian regions.
If you are submitting a paper for this competition, YOU MUST FIRST submit your paper to a section for approval.
Please choose a competition.
Communication Studies
Communication Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that examines human communication in its multiple forms and contexts. It explores a broad range of communication theories, models, and processes, focusing on how communication behaviors and practices shape, are shaped by and contribute to individual and social phenomena. The field of Communication Studies encompasses various sub-disciplines and concepts, including but not limited to:
Communication scholars use a range of methods, such as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches to better understand, analyze, and assess the functions and effects of communication within various settings. These studies provide crucial insights into the improvement of human relationships, societal functioning, and decision-making processes.
Section Coordinator
Elvis Nshom
Title: Associate Professor, CHABSS Communication
Email:
Affiliation: California State University San Marcos
African/African-American Studies
African/African American Studies, also known as Africana Studies, Black Studies, or Afro-American Studies, can be described as an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach aimed at studying and understanding the experiences and contributions of African people and African-descended people across the Diaspora. This field was a direct product of the social movements of the 1950s and 1960s.
African/African American Studies examines the history, culture, literature and politics of individuals of African descent, both in the United States and within the broader Black diaspora. These studies are unbound by but indebted to critical methodologies from a variety of disciplines, such as English, history, sociology, law, and political science. Essentially, this field centralizes black people, their histories, and experiences.
In its broadest sense, African/African American Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that primarily focuses on the study of the history, culture, and politics of the peoples of the African diaspora and Africa.
Sources:
Section Coordinator
Theodore S. Ransaw, Ph.D.
Title: Research Specialist and Affiliate Faculty Member
Email:
Affiliation: Michigan State University
Barbara Bonnekessen Ph.D.
Title: Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Email:
Affiliation: Eastern Illinois University
American Indian & Indigenous Studies
The American Indian & Indigenous Studies Section of WSSA is the home of the Indigenous Policy Journal. American Indian Studies (also known as Native American Studies, Indigenous American Studies, or First Nations Studies) is an interdisciplinary academic field that investigates the history, culture, politics, spirituality, sociology, and contemporary experiences of Native peoples in North America. The discipline spans a wide array of topics, including tribal sovereignty, self-determination, human rights, and Indigenous cultures and histories.
American Indian & Indigenous Studies incorporates insights from various fields, such as history, anthropology, education, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science. The study primarily focuses on engaging with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues while supporting the practices and movements in Native American/American Indian communities in pursuit of a just and equitable society.
Sources:
Section Coordinator
Stefanie Kunze
Title: Assistant Professor, Sociology
Email:
Affiliation: Northern Arizona University
Asian Studies
Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on the study of the languages, societies, cultures, religions, histories, economics, literature and politics of the countries and peoples of Asia. It is concerned with Asian people, their cultures, languages, history, and politics, combining aspects of sociology, history, cultural anthropology, and many other disciplines to study the political, cultural, and economic aspects of the region.
Asian Studies primarily aims to provide a better understanding of historical and contemporary aspects of East, Southeast, and South Asia. Also referred to as Oriental Studies in Europe, this field may overlap with "Asian American Studies" in the context of higher education institutions, which focuses mainly on the experiences and contributions of Asian American groups.
Sources:
Section Coordinator
Barbara Greene
Title: Associate Professor
Email:
Affiliation: Tokyo International University, Japan
Association For Borderlands Studies
The Association for Borderlands Studies (ABS) is an international scholarly association dedicated to the systematic interchange of ideas and information related to international borders and frontier areas. ABS was founded in 1976 with the original emphasis on the study of the United States-Mexico borderlands region, but it has expanded its reach to include other border regions around the world.
The organization focuses on the interdisciplinary study of borders, engaging researchers from various fields such as sociology, political science, economics, history, and cultural anthropology. ABS aims to promote an understanding of border issues, encourage cross-border collaboration, and generate knowledge on borders and transborder processes.
Section Coordinator
Xavier Oliveras Gonzalez, PhD
Title: Professor-Reseacher, Department of Urban & Environmental Studies
Email:
Affiliation:El Colegio de la Frontera Norte
Canadian Studies
Canadian Studies refers to a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching about Canada. Its roots are embedded in the evolution of Canadian nationalism in the 1960s and 1970s. It incorporates a wide range of disciplines that seek to understand and analyze the complexities of Canadian society, economy, politics, culture, and environment among other things.
The objective of Canadian studies is to foster a deeper understanding of the country's identity and the diverse experiences of its citizens. This field of study can help in informing policy decisions and contribute to a more nuanced discussion about the country's past, present, and future.
Section Coordinator
Holly Collins, Ph.D.
Title: Associate Professor of French
Email:
Affiliation: Baylor University
Chronic Disease & Disability
Chronic Disease and Disability may be separately dealt with but are often intertwined due to their interconnected impacts on individuals and societies.
Chronic Disease, in social science terms, is viewed as a long-lasting health issue with persistent impacts that are likely to worsen over time. These conditions are generally not immediately life-threatening but are a key cause of premature death and take a considerable toll on the quality of life. Chronic diseases can include heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and mental illnesses.
On the other hand, Disability is commonly defined as experiencing limitations in body function, activities, or participation in major life activities due to a health condition. This condition occurs in the context of one's environment and can be influenced by personal factors. In the social model of disability, disability is understood as a state of the body that is non-standard.
The intersection of chronic disease and disability is a growing area of interest within social sciences. The relationship between long-term illnesses and disability is complex and influenced by a host of personal and social factors, thereby necessitating multidisciplinary approaches to better understand and work toward solutions.
Section Coordinators
James G. Linn, Ph.D.
Title: Senior Researcher
Email:
Affiliation: Optimal Solutions in Healthcare and International Development
Dr. Leslie Binford
Title: Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
Email:
Affiliation: Austen Peay University
Dr. Kristen Butler
Title: Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
Email:
Affiliation: Austen Peay University
Dr. Taten L. Albright
Title: Assistant Professor/Director of BSW Program, Department of Social Work & Sociology
Email:
Affiliation: Angelo State University
Criminology, Criminal-Legal Systems, & Social Justice
Criminal-Legal Systems refers to the study of systems and institutions—such as law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities—involved in the administration of justice in society. It concerns the application of laws and the pursuit of principles of fairness and justice, focusing on various aspects of criminal law, public-order policy, offender rehabilitation, crime prevention, and criminal procedure.
Criminology, on the other hand, refers to the scientific study of crime and criminals. Criminology explores the socioeconomic, psychological, and biological causes of criminal behavior and examines the impact of crime on both individuals and societies. It integrates insights from sociology, psychology, economics, and other allied disciplines to understand the complexities of criminal behavior and develop solutions for crime control.
There is a subtle yet intricate relation between these two fields: criminology often provides theoretical understanding with its research results, which offers important insights to formulate efficient criminal justice policies and practices. In short, while criminology focuses on studying the origins and impacts of crime, criminal justice focuses on society’s response to crime.
Section Coordinators
Stephani Anne Williams
Title: Co-Chair, Criminology & Criminal Justice Teaching Professor, Criminology & Criminal Justice
Email:
Affiliation: Northern Arizona University
Economics (Association for Institutional Thought) (Associate)
"Economics (Association for Institutional Thought) (Associate)" seemingly refers to a membership or involvement with the Association for Institutional Thought (AFIT), with a focus on the study of economics from an institutional perspective.
The Association for Institutional Thought (AFIT) is an organization devoted to encouraging and fostering the development of institutional thought in the extension and modification of the contributions of several noted economists and thinkers. Institutional economics emphasizes the broader institutional processes and focuses on understanding the role of the evolutionary process and the influence of institutions on shaping economic behavior.
As an Associate in the Economics of the AFIT, one would likely engage in the scholarship and exploration of economics from this specific viewpoint, contributing to the development, dissemination, and application of institutional economic theories. This could involve researching and analyzing the social, legal, and political institutions that significantly influence economic outcomes.
Additional responsibilities and activities might include attending and contributing to AFIT conferences and discussions, producing academic research in the field of institutional economics, and possibly teaching related material in an academic setting.
Section Coordinator
Oak McCoy
Title: Assistant Professor of Economics
Email:
Affiliation: University of New England
Economics (General)
Economics (General) refers to the comprehensive study of how individuals, businesses, governments, and societies allocate limited resources to satisfy their endless needs and wants.
Economics as a discipline extends to a wide variety of topics and can be broadly divided into two main branches:
Under the canopy of these two branches, economists study a vast range of economic phenomena and develop theoretical models to understand complex real-world economic issues. Using these models, they analyze historical trends, interpret today's economy, and predict future directions.
Section CoordinatorS
Dr. Karl Geisler
Title: Professor of Business, College of Finance & Economics
Email:
Affiliation: Idaho State University
Dr. Kelsey Carlston
Title: Assistant Professor of Economics
Email:
Affiliation: Gonzaga University
Environmental Policy & Natural Resource Management
Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management refers to the study and practice of formulating policies and initiating actions for sustainable management, conservation, and utilization of natural resources. It involves understanding the dynamics between environmental, social, economic, and political factors and their impact on the environment.
Environmental Policy focuses on the creation, implementation, and enforcement of regulations and statutes that govern how individuals, organizations, and governments interact with the natural environment. It covers a range of topic areas, including air and water quality, waste management, ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control.
Natural Resource Management is a field of study and a practice that deals with managing the use, development, and protection of natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants, and animals. It combines principles of ecology, sustainability, economics, and social equity to protect natural resources and ensure their sustainable use for current and future generations. This could include forestry, wildlife management, water management, and more.
Both components play essential roles in ensuring the sustainability of our environment. Experts in this field work towards balancing the demand for resources for societal development with the need to preserve and protect these resources for future generations.
Section Coordinator
Chelsea Schelly
Title: Professor of Sociology, Department of Social Sciences
Email:
Affiliation: Michigan Technical University
History
History is a field of study that examines and interprets past events, experiences, people, and objects. It is concerned with understanding the chronological sequence of events, and more importantly, the causes, effects, contexts, and interpretations of those events.
History as a discipline serves several key purposes:
The sphere of history is vast, covering varied topics like political history, cultural history, economic history, social history, world history, history of specific regions or countries, and more. Historians typically use a variety of source materials, including documents, artifacts, archaeological findings, and oral histories, to reconstruct and interpret the past.
Section Coordinators
Primary Contact : Monica S. Gallamore Ph.D.
Title: Coordinator
Email:
Phone: 414-217-3706
Stanford K. Lester MA, MLIS
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Phone: 414-217-1551
Affiliation: Independent Scholar
Dr. Melissa Langley Biegert
Title: Director of Academic Success for High School Programs
Email:
Affiliation: Austin Community College
Latin American Studies and Chicano-Iberian Culture Network (LASCIC)
Latin American Studies and Chicano-Iberian Culture Network (LASCIC) is an interdisciplinary academic field associated with the Western Social Science Association (WSSA). It focuses on research, theoretical reflections, and interventions related to social, economic, and cultural issues within Latin American, Chicano, and Latinx contexts.
LASCIC is a network that invites scholars to engage with a wide range of topics arising from the intersection of Latin American cultures and Chicano-Iberian relations. This field represents an important platform in the global discourse on the cultural, socio-economic, and political dynamics shaping Latin American and Chicano-Iberian societies.
LASCIC provides opportunities for intensive academic dialogue and collaborative exploration of complex issues pertinent to Latin American and Chicano-Iberian studies, thereby fostering a vibrant scholarly community.
This network is deeply engaged with the WSSA in promoting and disseminating research insights on Latin America, making valuable contributions to the larger field of social science.
Section Coordinators
Jesus Ruiz Flores
Title: Research Professor
Email:
Affiliation: Universidad de Guadalajara
Debra D. Andrist
Title: Professor (Full) Retired
Email:
Affiliation: Sam Houston State University, Texas, USA
Fernando Pedro Viacava-Breiding
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico, Campus Morelia
Mass Communication
Mass Communication is a branch of social sciences that studies the process of transmitting information to a large group of people through mass media channels. This information can be disseminated to a vast crowd, usually simultaneously, using media such as newspapers, books, radio, television, films, websites, or any other medium capable of reaching a large audience.
The field of mass communication encompasses a variety of different areas such as advertising, broadcasting, journalism, public relations, digital media, film production, and more. It investigates how this information, particularly news and public affairs, impacts society as a whole.
Mass communication theorists examine the influence media has on individual perceptions, public opinion formations, and societal changes. This field allows scholars to analyze the functions, structures and impacts that mass media has on society, with the goal of improving the effectiveness and understanding of mass communication.
In a rapidly changing digital society, mass communication plays a key role in educating, informing, entertaining, and persuading audiences. This is why mass communication is a significant area of instruction and research in the social sciences.
Section Coordinators
Lily Zeng
Title: Professor of Creative Media Production, Graduate Program Coordinator, Department of Radio-Television
Email:
Affiliation: Arkansas State University
Middle East & North Africa
Middle East & North Africa Studies (MENA) is an interdisciplinary field within social sciences that focuses on the study and understanding of the region stretching roughly from Morocco in the West to Iran and Central Asia in the East, the Mediterranean in the North, and into Saharan Africa and Sudan in the South[. The field incorporates the latest critical approaches to examining social, cultural, political, and economic forces within this diverse region.
MENA studies explore a broad range of topics such as history, politics, culture, languages, literature, religion, and current events, offering an inclusive examination of the region's unique characteristics and its interactions with the rest of the world. Scholars in this field analyze the complexity of the region with the aim of promoting a deeper understanding of its societies, politics, and global influence.
Through various frameworks and methodologies, including history, social and political sciences, anthropology, and cultural studies, researchers investigate the region's past and present to shed light on its rich history, political developments, and intricate socio-cultural dynamics.
Section Coordinator
Gamze Cavdar
Title: Professor
Email:
Affiliation: Colorado State University
New Zealand & Australia Studies
New Zealand & Australia Studies is an interdisciplinary area within the social sciences that focuses on the study and understanding of the societies, cultures, politics, and economics of New Zealand and Australia. The field aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the region's unique characteristics and interactions on a local, regional, and global scale.
Scholars in this field explore a broad range of topics such as history, politics, culture, languages, literature, and current events. They analyze the complexity of the societies, politics, and global influences of these nations, and investigate their past and present through various frameworks, including history, social and political sciences, anthropology, and cultural studies.
Through the study of New Zealand and Australia, researchers gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of both societies, as well as insight into their roles in the world. This knowledge contributes to informed discussions on the region's development, challenges, and opportunities for the future.
View New Zealand and Australia Studies website.
Section Coordinators
William C. Schaniel
Title: Director, International Services & Programs
Email:
Affiliation: University of West Georgia
Suzzanne Kelley
Title: Associate Professor of Practice, Editor in Chief, NDSU Press
Email:
Affiliation: North Dakota State University
Non-Profit, Philanthropy, Social Enterprise & Entrepreneurship
Non-Profit, Philanthropy, Social Enterprise, and Entrepreneurship are terms within the social sciences that relate to organizations and initiatives focused on addressing social, environmental, or other charitable causes in ways that are not primarily driven by profit.
Non-profit organizations are entities that raise funds to further a social, environmental, or other charitable cause. They are typically set up as tax-exempt organizations, and while they can generate revenue, there are strict rules governing how they can use and distribute those funds.
Philanthropy is about promoting the welfare of others through the voluntary donation of resources, including money, time, or talent. The term is often associated with wealthy individuals or foundations that support various causes and projects, but it can refer to anyone who contributes to the common good. Social Enterprises blend traditional nonprofit and for-profit strategies to create organizations focused on social or environmental missions. They employ business practices to generate earned revenue, which they then use to further expand their impact.
Social Entrepreneurship refers to the process of pursuing innovative solutions to social problems. Social entrepreneurs, whether working within a nonprofit or for-profit context, aim to create scalable and sustainable impact through their ventures, addressing social or environmental challenges in the process.
In the social sciences, these terms represent different approaches to addressing societal issues while considering the balance between financial sustainability and the pursuit of meaningful change.
Section Coordinators
Patsy Kraeger
Title: Associate
Email:
Affiliation: Civance Research
Umar Ghuman
Title: Professor, Public Administration, Director of MPA Program
Email:
Affiliation: California State University, Stanislaus - Public Administration
Political Science
Political Science is a branch of social sciences that focuses on the study of political systems, government structures, public policies, and the behavior of political actors on the local, national, and international levels. It aims to understand the various ways in which power is organized, exercised, and maintained in societies, and how different political institutions and processes operate and interact.
Some major subfields within political science include:
Political Science uses both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to analyze and explain political phenomena, and the knowledge gained is crucial to understanding the functioning of societies, and in turn, to informing decision-making within political systems.
Section Coordinators
Jesus Ruiz Flores
Title: Research Professor
Email:
Affiliation: Universidad de Guadalajara
Fernando Pedro Viacava-Breiding
Title: Co-Coordinator
Email:
Affiliation: Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico, Campus Morelia
Public Administration
Public Administration is a branch of social science that focuses on the implementation of government policies and the management of public programs. It involves the study of government bureaucracies, policy-making processes, and the actions of public officials in charge of managing public agencies. The goal is to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of public policies and programs.
As an interdisciplinary field, Public Administration draws knowledge from various social sciences, examining the relationships between public administration and other social sciences like political science, economics, sociology, psychology, and anthropology. This comprehensive approach allows an understanding of the complex challenges that public administrations face, as well as the development of effective policies, strategies, and management techniques.
In the world of social sciences, Public Administration plays a crucial role in the functioning of government agencies at the national, state, or local level, contributing to the betterment of public services and the well-being of citizens.
Section Coordinators
Viola Fuentes
Title: Residential Faculty - Political Science
Email:
Affiliation: Mesa Community College
Chandra Commuri
Title: Professor of Public Administration
Email:
Affiliation: California State University at Bakersfield
E. Scott Lee
Title: Chair – Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science, Associate Professor of Political Science
Email:
Affiliation: Indiana University East
Public Finance & Budgeting
Public Finance and budgeting is a subfield of economics that deals with the financial activities of governments and public entities. It focuses on how governments raise revenue, allocate resources, and manage public expenditure, all of which are central aspects of a nation's fiscal policy.
Public Finance includes the study of taxation, public debt, public expenditure management, and fiscal federalism. It aims to understand how governments can use fiscal instruments to achieve social objectives like economic stability, income redistribution, and the provision of public goods.
Budgeting, on the other hand, pertains to the process by which governments plan their financial resources. It is essentially a financial plan outlining a government's expenditures (such as infrastructural development, public welfare initiatives, etc.) and expected revenues for a specific period.
The study of public finance and budgeting plays a significant role in the social sciences as it helps policymakers and society comprehend how financial resources are pooled and deployed, and how these processes can impact the overall functioning of an economy and public welfare.
Section Coordinators
John Stavick, Ph.D.
Title: Assistant Professor
Email:
Affiliation: Oakland University
Michelle Lofton, Ph.D.
Title: Associate Professor
Email:
Affiliation: University of Georgia
Rural Studies, Arid Lands, Agriculture, & Geography
Arid Lands Studies & Geography is designed to emphasize the importance of, and coordinate the efforts for, studying human adaptation to the world’s arid and semiarid lands. As a multidisciplinary section, we welcome submissions from a diverse set of disciplines such as economics, anthropology, geography, history, agriculture, and hydrology. Our goal is to encourage and increase the general awareness of the problems and potentials of the arid and semiarid lands of the world, and of human adjustment to and impact upon them.
Rural Studies, Arid Lands, Agriculture, and Geography are interconnected fields, focusing on various elements of human interaction with both rural and arid environments.
Rural Studies is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the study of rural areas, including their economies, lifestyles, cultures, and challenges. It draws on various social science disciplines such as sociology, geography, and economics to explore the complexities and nuances of rural life.
Lands studies, as a part of geography and environmental science, is the exploration of regions where lack of water, due to low rainfall, high evaporation, or both, forms a significant constraint on the ability to cultivate crops or sustain human life. It involves the study of the impacts of aridity on ecosystems and societies and how to effectively manage resources in these areas.
Agriculture is the science, art, and practice of cultivating plants and livestock. It's a multidisciplinary field that includes techniques used to improve farming for the purpose of food production. It plays an essential role in human survival and well-being, and social scientists are often interested in its effects on society, economy, and culture.
Geography, in a broader sense, is the study of locations and the relationships between people and their environments. It encompasses both the physical properties of Earth's surface and the human societies disseminated across it. It explores the spatial aspects of human existence - how we live on the earth's surface, how we modify and adapt to the environment, and how our activities impact the environment.
These fields are interconnected as they complement each other in better understanding human life, socio-economic activities, cultural aspects, and natural conditions across different regions of the world, particularly in rural and arid areas.
Section Coordinator
Stephen Eliason
Title: Professor, Sociology and Criminal Justice
Email:
Affiliation: MSU Billings
Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology and Anthropology examine and analyze human behavior, cultures, societal development, and human phenomena.
Sociology is the study of social behavior or society, including its origins, development, organization, networks, and institutions. It is a social science that uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social order, disruption, and change. Key topics in sociology include social stratification, social class, social mobility, religion, secularization, law, gender, and deviance.
Anthropology, on the other hand, is the study of humans and human behavior and societies in the past and present. It covers both cultural and physical aspects. Cultural anthropology studies living peoples and their cultures. It typically includes the social structures, languages, and world views of different cultures. Physical anthropology, also known as biological anthropology, deals with the evolution of humans, human physical traits, and human genetics.
These fields often intersect and share some methodologies and theories, but they also have their unique perspectives and areas of study. Both aim to understand and interpret human behavior and societal phenomena.
Section Coordinators
Debra D. Andrist
Title: Professor (Full) Retired
Email:
Affiliation: Sam Houston State University, Texas
Aritra Chakrabarty
Title: Graduate Research Assistant
Email:
Affiliation: Michigan Technological University
Slavic and Eurasian Studies (Affiliate)
Slavic and Eurasian Studies focuses on the study of histories, societies, cultures, languages, and politics of the region concerning Slavic and Eurasian countries. This interdisciplinary field draws largely upon areas such as history, political science, sociology, anthropology, and linguistics. It aids in a deeper understanding of a globally significant area, covering Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, and Eastern Europe.
In the context of academic associations, when a group or individual is referred to as an "Affiliate" in Slavic and Eurasian Studies, it usually signifies a link or a relationship with an overarching parent organization. For instance, the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) has multiple affiliate groups that operate within its framework. These affiliate groups are likely to be regional associations, special interest groups, or specific sub-disciplines concerning Slavic and Eurasian Studies.
Such affiliations facilitate collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange within the wider scholarly community. They contribute toward nurturing a richer and more integrated understanding of Slavic and Eurasian regions.
Section Coordinators
Robert Niebuhr
Title: Teaching Professor & Honors Faculty Fellow, Barrett Honors Faculty
Email:
Affiliation: Arizona State University
Djurdja Jovanovic Padejski
Title: Student Worker IV - Grader, TCLAS School of International Letters and Culture
Email:
Affiliation: Arizona State University
Psychology
Social Psychology studies how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. In other words, it is the scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another.
This field often involves understanding social behavior in terms of social interactions and the effects of social structures and processes. Social psychologists typically deal with issues such as group behavior, social perception, non-verbal behavior, conformity, aggression, prejudice, and leadership.
Experimental methods and observational techniques are commonly used. These can include surveys, experiments, observational studies, and case studies to explore a wide array of topics ranging from prejudice to social cognition, from group dynamics to social influence.
Social psychology can have a broad range of practical applications, including in areas such as businesses (e.g., organizational behavior, human resources, marketing), education, health, and public policy.
Section Coordinator
Elizabeth Hamner, Ph.D.
Title: Professor
Email:
Affiliation: Collin College
Tracey McKenzie, Ph.D.
Title: Professor of Sociology
Email:
Affiliation: Collin College
Social Work
Social Work is a professional and academic discipline that seeks to improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals, groups, and communities primarily through the practice of direct and indirect intervention strategies.
Direct intervention can take the form of direct practice with individuals, families, and groups, where the social worker plays a collaborative role in problem-solving and decision-making processes.
Indirect intervention involves working on systemic level issues including policymaking, community organizing, and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Social work is characterized by a person-in-environment framework and a dual focus on individual well-being and social justice, emphasizing culturally competent practice and the understanding of person and environment reciprocal relationships.
Areas that social workers often work in include mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, welfare agencies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. They can help with issues spanning from providing resources for the homeless to counseling individuals coping with personal issues.
Section Coordinators
Ruth Whisler
Title: Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Social Work
Email:
Affiliation: Northern Arizona University - Yuma Branch Campus
Kara Ahearn
Title: Assistant Clinical Professor
Email:
Affiliation: Northern Arizona University
Moises Diaz
Title: Clinical Associate Professor, Social Work
Email:
Affiliation: Utah State University
Union for Radical Political Economists (Affiliate)
The Union for Radical Political Economists (URPE) is an interdisciplinary organization comprised of both academics and activists. It was established in 1968 with the mission of advancing the study, development, and application of radical political-economic analysis to address social issues.
The focus of URPE is broad, including critiquing the capitalist system and its structure, investigating the root of economic problems and conditions, and examining issues of power, as well as oppression and inequality by various factors such as race, gender, class, and nation. It engages in these studies in effort to challenge all forms of exploitation and oppression.
Its work and discussions are disseminated through various channels, including a peer-reviewed journal known as the Review of Radical Political Economics.
URPE thus seeks to contribute to the transformation of the economy and society toward more equitable and just structures and systems.
Please go to www.urpe.org for more information about URPE, including how you can join.
Section Coordinator
Geoffrey Schneider
Title: Professor of Economics
Email:
Affiliation: Bucknell University
Women’s, Gender, & LGBTQ Studies
Women's, Gender, & LGBTQ+ Studies Section is an interdisciplinary field within social science that focuses on the experiences, identities, and representations of various gender and sexual minority groups. This academic area encompasses various disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, history, political science, and psychology, to analyze the cultural, historical, and social contexts of gender and sexuality.
Women's studies focus on the roles, accomplishments, and challenges faced by women throughout history, while gender studies examine how society constructs and interprets gender, including topics like masculinity and femininity. LGBTQ+ studies explore identities, experiences, and issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and other non-cisgender/non-heterosexual individuals, and communities.
These fields aim to promote social justice, equity, and inclusivity by dismantling stereotypes, challenging oppression and discrimination, and advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.
Section Coordinator
Barbara Bonnekessen Ph.D.
Title: Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Email:
Affiliation: Eastern Illinois University
Economics (Association for Social Economics)
The Association for Social Economics (ASE) brings together academics and practitioners who view economic behavior as a product of complex social interactions with ethical consequences. Founded in 1941, ASE is committed to exploring the intersections of economics, human dignity, ethical values, and social philosophy.
Members of the ASE engage in advancing the organization's mission to foster research, teaching, and dialogue that address the ethical dimensions of economic analysis. This involves contributing to a deeper understanding of how economic behavior and policies impact human well-being and dignity in diverse social and cultural contexts.
Section Coordinator
Dr. Iris Buder
Title: Associate Professor of Economics
Email:
Affiliation: Idaho State University